Soccer Substitution Rules: When Can You Sub and Other Details

Whether you’re a soccer player or a coach, understanding the ins and outs of soccer substitutions can help you make strategic decisions that can impact the outcome of the game. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the soccer substitution rules, including when substitutions can be made, how many are allowed, and other important details.

What are soccer substitutions?

As one of the most popular sports in the world, soccer has a set of rules that govern all aspects of the game, including substitutions. In soccer, substitutions are the act of replacing a player on the field with another player during the game.

Soccer substitutions are made for various reasons. They can be because of tactical changes, injury prevention, or time-wasting. Substitutions can also help players who are struggling with fatigue or who may be losing momentum.

How many substitutes are there on the bench?

The number of substitutes on the bench in soccer can vary depending on the competition or league. In professional soccer, a team is allowed to have up to seven substitutes on the bench, while in the FIFA World Cup, a team is allowed to have up to 12 substitutes.

A team are allowed to have up to five substitutes on the bench in college soccer. In friendly matches, the number of substitutes allowed can be agreed upon by both teams before the start of the game.

Nevertheless, not all substitutes on the bench will necessarily be used during a game. The number of substitutions allowed is still limited, regardless of the number of substitutes on the bench.

How many substitutions are allowed in soccer?

The number of substitutions allowed in soccer varies depending on the level of play and the governing body that regulates the game. Typically, the exact number of substitutions allowed is designed to balance the need for tactical changes with the desire to maintain the integrity and flow of the game.

Below are the soccer substitution rules in terms of the number of subs for each level:

In professional soccer

In professional soccer, such as the English Premier League, the soccer substitution rules used to allow for a maximum of three substitutions per team during a game. However, for the 2022/2023 season, Premier League clubs can make up to five substitutions per match, on three separate occasions plus an additional opportunity at halftime.

The UEFA also allows up to five substitutions take part in a match for the 2022/23 season. Additionally, a sixth sub is permitted to take part in knockout games during extra time.

In international competitions

International competitions, such as the World Cup, now allows a team to make five substitutions per game. In addition, if the game goes into extra time, teams are allowed an additional substitution. This means that a team attending World Cup can make a total of four substitutions if the game goes into extra time.

In college soccer and friendly matches

College soccer, such as the NCAA, allows unlimited substitutions during the game. This rule is in place to encourage player development and give coaches more flexibility in managing their rosters.

In paralell, the number of substitutions allowed in friendly matches can be agreed upon by both teams before the game. Some matches allow for up to six substitutions, while others may only allow for three.

When can you substitute in soccer?

Substitutions can be made at any point during a game, but there are some rules that must be followed. In soccer, the rules imply substitutions can only be made during a stoppage in play, which is signaled by the referee.

Below are the 5 key moments when substitutions can be made:

• At halftime: The break between the two halves of a soccer game is an opportunity for coaches to make changes to their teams. Substitutions can be made during this time without any restrictions.
• During injury time: If a player is injured during a game and needs to be replaced, a substitution can be made. However, the injured player must leave the field on a stretcher, and the substitution can only be made once the player has left the field.
• Before a throw-in: Substitutions can also be made before a throw-in is taken, but only by the team taking the throw-in.
• Before a goal kick: Substitutions can also be made before a goal kick is taken, but only by the team taking the goal kick.
• After a goal is scored: Teams are also allowed to make substitutions after a goal is scored, but only if they do so before play resumes.

Three-stoppage rule

In some leagues, such as Major League Soccer (MLS), there is a three-stoppage rule that limits the number of times a team can make substitutions. This means that a team can only make three substitutions during the game, regardless of how many stoppages in play occur.

When can’t you sub in soccer?

According to the official soccer substitution rules issued by the International Football Association Board (IFAB),  there are certain situations in which substitutions are not allowed in soccer. These include:

1. After a team has used up the maximum number of substitutions allowed.
2. During a penalty kick.
3. During a throw-in.
4. During a corner kick.
5. When a player is receiving medical attention on the field.
6. When a player is being sent off due to a red card.

It is also important to mention that once a player has been substituted, they cannot return to the game, even if the game goes into extra time. The only exception to this rule is if a goalkeeper is injured and there are no more substitutes available. In this case, an outfield player can replace the injured goalkeeper, but they cannot be substituted later in the game.

Read more: What Does A Red Card Mean in Soccer? – Detailed Explanation

How do soccer substitutions work?

In soccer, the process of substitution is simple. When the referee holds up the substitution board, the player being replaced must leave the field of play. The substitute, after receiving permission from the referee, must enter the field of play from the touchline.

The substitution is complete once the substitute enters the field and the player being replaced has left it.

However, there are a few other important details to keep in mind when subbing:

• If a team wants to make all three substitutions during a game, they must do so before the end of the second half. If they don’t, they forfeit any remaining substitutions.
• In case a team makes a substitution during halftime, the player being substituted must leave the field before the start of the second half.
• If a team makes a substitution during injury time, the time taken to make the substitution is added on to the end of the half.
• When a team makes a substitution during a stoppage in play (such as for an injury), the player being substituted must leave the field at the nearest point.
• If a player is substituted before their team has used all of their allotted substitutions, they are not counted towards the team’s total number of substitutions.
• Goalkeeper substitutions: Goalkeeper substitutions are unique because they require a different set of rules. Soccer goalie can only be replaced if they are injured. In this case, the team is allowed to substitute another goalkeeper for the injured one.

Types of soccer substitutions and how do they impact the game

Substitutions can have a significant impact on a game’s outcome, especially when they’re made strategically. Tactical substitutions can change the overall momentum of the game and give a team an advantage. Injury substitutions can also impact the game by forcing a team to make changes to their lineup or strategy.

Here are a few tactical considerations:

• Bringing on fresh legs: If a team is struggling to keep up with the pace of the game, bringing on fresh legs can be a great way to inject some energy into the team.
• Changing tactics: If a team is struggling to break down their opponents, a change in tactics (and personnel) can be a good way to create new opportunities.
• Time-wasting: If a team is winning and wants to run down the clock, making a late substitution can be a way to eat up some valuable seconds.
• Defending a lead: If a team is protecting a lead late in the game, making a defensive substitution can help to shore up the team’s defense and ensure that they hold on to their lead.
• Attacking late in the game: If a team is trailing late in the game, bringing on an attacking player can help to create more chances and potentially score a late equalizer or game-winning goal.
• Managing fatigue: If a player is struggling with fatigue or an injury, making a substitution can help to prevent further injury and keep the team fresh for the next game.
• Responding to opposition changes: If the opposition makes a tactical change or brings on a particularly dangerous player, making a substitution can help to counter their tactics and nullify their threat.

Potential changes in soccer substitutions

In recent years, there have been discussions about increasing the number of substitutions allowed in soccer to improve player safety and mitigate the risk of injuries. This proposal has been met with mixed reactions from fans, coaches, and players alike. Some argue that increasing the number of substitutions would benefit the game by reducing injuries, while others argue that it would disrupt the flow of the game and favor wealthy teams with deeper benches.

There has also been talk of allowing temporary substitutions for players who suffer head injuries or concussion-like symptoms, similar to the protocols used in rugby. This proposal would allow players to receive immediate medical attention and reduce the risk of long-term brain injuries.

As the sport continues to evolve and player safety becomes a top priority, it’s likely that soccer substitution rules will continue to be discussed and potentially modified.

Conclusion

In conclusion, soccer substitutions are an important part of the game, allowing coaches to make changes to their teams and affect the course of a game. While there are restrictions on when and how many substitutions can be made, they remain a powerful tool for coaches to use strategically. Whether bringing on fresh legs, changing tactics, or managing fatigue, substitutions can be the difference between winning and losing a game.

That’s everything you need to know about the soccer substitution rules. If you are curious about the world of soccer and want to learn more, visit ASC Soccer to discover a wealth of information on the sport, including history, rules, and more.

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